Primary Care

Vaccines in adulthood: Which do you need?

A mom, dad and three children blowing bubbles outside on a nice day.

04/07/2025

Protect your health at every stage of life by staying up to date with vaccines. Learn about the benefits of vaccines and how they can help keep you healthy.

 

By Nuvance Health Medical Practice

 

Did you know that immunity from childhood vaccines can fade over time? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), staying current with adult immunizations is a key part of protecting yourself and those around you from preventable diseases.

 

Keeping up with recommended vaccines throughout adulthood is just as important as those early childhood shots. Vaccines can help reduce your risk of serious illness, help you recover more quickly and lower the chances of spreading diseases to loved ones.

 

What is the Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) booster?

 

The Tdap booster helps protect you from tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough. It’s especially important to get this vaccine if you’re around babies or planning a pregnancy. 

 

Who should get the Tdap booster?

 

  • Adults who have never received a Tdap vaccine

 

  • Pregnant individuals (once during each pregnancy)

 

  • A Td or Tdap booster is recommended every 10 years

 

 

What is a pneumococcal vaccine?

 

Whether you’re over the age of 65 or have a chronic health condition like asthma or heart disease, your doctor may recommend a pneumococcal vaccine to protect against infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bacterial and bloodstream infections.

 

Who should get a pneumococcal vaccine?

 

  • Children younger than 5 years

 

  • Adults 50 years or older

 

  • Children and adults with an increased risk for pneumococcal disease

 

Types of pneumococcal vaccines:

 

  • Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs)

 

  • Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine

 

Each vaccine helps protect against different types of bacteria. Your primary care provider can help decide which vaccine(s) you may need. 

 

 

What is the shingles vaccine?

 

Even if you had the chickenpox when you were younger, shingles can hide in your body and possibly reactivate later in life. Shingles can be painful, causing blistering rashes, long-term nerve pain, hearing issues, vision loss and even death.

 

Who should get the shingles vaccine?

 

  • Adults 50 years and older

 

  • Adults 19 years and older who have weakened immune systems

 

What is the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine?

 

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common, contagious viral infection spread by sexual contact. The HPV vaccine can help prevent infections that can lead to several types of cancer including cancers of the cervix, vagina, penis, anus and throat.

 

Who should get the HPV vaccine?

 

  • Everyone through age 26; as early as 9 years old

 

  • Adults ages 27 to 45 should talk to their doctor to decide if this vaccine is right for them

 

 

What is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine?

 

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine protects against three contagious diseases: measles, mumps and rubella. These contagious viral infections come with several unpleasant symptoms and can lead to severe complications.

 

Who should get the MMR vaccine?

 

  • Anyone born in 1957 or later 

 

 

What are other vaccines adults should stay up to date on?

 

The CDC recommends adults stay up to date on the following vaccines:

 

  • Influenza (Flu) shot

 

  • COVID-19 vaccines and boosters

 

For your convenience, here’s a recommended immunization schedule for adults aged 19 years and older provided by the CDC.

 

Other vaccines may be needed based on your age, job, lifestyle, travel plans or health history. Talk to your primary care provider to see what they recommend is best for you.

 

 

How to check your vaccination records

 

Unfortunately, there isn’t a national database that contains vaccination records. However, if you need copies of your records of if you’re unsure about your vaccination history, there are a few ways you can find out.

 

  1. Check with your doctor or login to your electronic health records portal.

 

  1. Ask parents or caregivers if they have records of your childhood vaccinations.

 

  1. Contact your high school and/or college health services or previous employers.

 

  1. Reach out to your state’s health department.

 

If you’re unable to locate your vaccination records, your doctor may be able to order blood tests, called an antibody titer test, to check for immunity or recommend revaccination if necessary. 

 

The bottom line: Your annual check-up with your primary care provider is a great time to review your vaccination needs. Ask your doctor to go over your immunization history and recommend any booster shots based on your age and risk factors.